Event Reviews
Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco

with Kristen Ford

The Englert Theater, Iowa City, Iowa • September 10, 2023

On an exciting September evening, The Englert Theater hosted a sold-out performance featuring Ani DiFranco and Kristen Ford. Kristen, a devoted fan and newfound Righteous Babe labelmate of Ani’s, kicked off the evening, setting up the atmosphere for an extraordinary night of music. If you haven’t encountered Kristen’s music before, rest assured she is as adept a songwriter as she is a musician and I, one amongst many, enjoyed every moment of her live performance.

Kristen Ford
Jeremy Glazier
Kristen Ford

Kristen, performing solo with a mix of interesting effects and a loop pedal, begins the evening with “Here’s to You, Kid,” “Girl in the Mirror,” and “Grey Sky Blue.” She’s masterful in building each piece of her music, and while she is alone on stage, her vocals and instruments fill the air with a sincerely intimate performance. The rest of her set includes “Richest in the World,” “Wild Heart,” and “White Man’s Dream,” which she collaborated on with Ani before leaving the stage to a tremendous round of applause from a theatre of new fans.

Kristen Ford
Jeremy Glazier
Kristen Ford

After chatting briefly with Kristen at the merch table and making my way back to the front of the theatre, the lights dim, and Ani DiFranco casually takes center stage to an electrified audience, anxious to receive her gift of songwriting. She begins with “Still My Heart” from her 2014 album Allergic to Water, before a trip back to the beginning with “Little Plastic Castles” and “Pixie” from 1998, the title track of the 1996 album Dilate, and “Sorry I Am” from the 1995 album Pretty Girl. Ani’s songwriting and delivery were built for timeless effect as she seemingly relives each of these vignettes, resonating with an undying truthfulness that has made her the iconic artist that she is.

Ani DiFranco walks on stage
Jeremy Glazier
Ani DiFranco walks on stage

As the audience reciprocates with applause and joyous shouting, Ani continues with songs like “Napoleon,” “Simultaneously,” “The Atom,” and “Everest,” before changing up the stage dynamics and inviting Kristen Ford back into the spotlight. Kristen and Ani perform “Angry Anymore” and “Revolutionary Love,” showcasing not only their musical collaboration but also Kristen’s deep appreciation for Ani and Ani’s belief in Kristen as an artist. Once again, the crowd boisterously applauds Kristen Ford’s talents as she exits the stage, and Ani concludes the evening.

Ani DiFranco on stage at The Englert Theater
Jeremy Glazier
Ani DiFranco on stage at The Englert Theater

Ani concluded with the songs “Untouchable Face” and “Gravel,” before stepping off stage for a brief pre-encore moment away from the spotlight. Upon returning, she delivered a powerful version of “Joyful Girl” and “Hypnotized,” bringing a fabulous evening of self-expression to a close and leaving the audience with a lesson in the significance of staying true to oneself as an artist.

To stay updated on Kristen Ford’s musical journey, visit kristenfordmusic.com. Additionally, keep an eye out for Ani DiFranco, who is set to make her Broadway debut inHadestown, starting in February 2024.

Ani DiFranco on stage at The Englert Theater
Jeremy Glazier
Ani DiFranco on stage at The Englert Theater

Righteous Babe


Recently on Ink 19...

Refused

Refused

Music Reviews

The Shape of Punk to Come: A Chimerical Bombination in 12 Bursts (Epitaph). Review by Steven Cruse.

999

999

Music Reviews

Emergency at the Old Waldorf 1979 (Liberation Hall). Review by Peter Lindblad.

Bob Mould

Bob Mould

Event Reviews

Bob Mould finishes his 2024 Fall Solo Tour, bringing legendary energy to Atlanta.

Featured photo by Charles DJ Deppner.

AFI Fest 2024

AFI Fest 2024

Event Reviews

For the tenth straight year, Lily and Generoso proudly present their coverage of AFI Fest, Los Angeles’s premiere film festival which took place in Hollywood this October.

Featured photo courtesy of AFI Fest.

C.L. Turner of Arctic Wave

C.L. Turner of Arctic Wave

Interviews

Ink 19’s Randy Radic spoke with C.L. Turner of the band Arctic Wave to discuss the latest single, inspirations, and next directions.

Featured image courtesy of Present PR